"Heartbreaker" stands as the sixth and final studio album by the English rock band Free, marking both the pinnacle of their success and the end of an era. Recorded in late 1972 amidst internal turmoil and lineup changes, the album represents a departure from their earlier works.
The recording process for "Heartbreaker" was marked by significant challenges. Bassist Andy Fraser had departed the band, while guitarist Paul Kossoff struggled with addiction to Mandrax (Quaalude), resulting in his increasingly erratic behavior. To fill the void, Tetsu Yamauchi was brought in as Fraser's replacement, and John "Rabbit" Bundrick joined as the band's keyboard player, compensating for Kossoff's unreliability. Both Yamauchi and Bundrick had previously collaborated with Kossoff and drummer Simon Kirke during Free's hiatus in late 1971.
Despite these obstacles, "Heartbreaker" yielded one of Free's most successful singles, "Wishing Well," which resonated with audiences and critics alike. The album's lineup may have differed from previous efforts, but it showcased the band's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Co-produced by Andy Johns alongside Free themselves, "Heartbreaker" represents a bittersweet culmination of the band's journey. While it marked the end of Free as a collective entity, the album's legacy endures as a testament to their enduring talent and the enduring impact of their music.
